Which statement best characterizes joint evaluations?

• A. They increase transaction costs.
• B. They are usually commissioned by a single national agency.
• C. They do not improve evaluation quality.
• D. Usually one of the collaborating agencies is responsible for commissioning the joint evaluation.

Answer: (D)

Joint evaluations involve several agencies working together to assess a program, sharing data, expertise, and funding. A defining feature is that one of the collaborating agencies takes the lead in commissioning the evaluation. This lead agency organizes the contract, defines the scope, and manages the process for all partners, while other agencies contribute inputs and resources. This arrangement helps ensure coherence across the evaluation, reduces duplication of effort, and enhances the relevance and credibility of findings for all stakeholders. While there can be coordination work involved, the key characteristic is that a single collaborating agency usually bears the responsibility for commissioning the joint evaluation.